Office of Educational Technology
Digital Media Accessibility
Web Accessibility
Accessible websites offer information access to everyone, including individuals who may otherwise encounter barriers. Accessible websites promote learning and inclusion, leveling the playing field for all. The following resources provide information on how to create accessible sites.
- Web AIM provides accessibility training, site information, evaluation,reporting, and simulations.
- Deque– A website accessibility company that is dedicated to creating technology for individuals with disabilities. Their website offers webinars and documents on web accessibility.
- National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE) – Useful articles on Web accessibility are throughout the site and you can subscribe to a monthly newsletter.
- Illinois Center for Information Technology and Web Accessibility (iCITA) – HTML Best Practices – allows web developers design websites that are more accessible for those with disabilities.
Web Evaluation
The following resources provide information on whether your website meets accessibility guidelines.
- Siteimprove – adopted by the University – for further information, contact OET
- List of Web Evaluation Tools by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
- WAVE Toolbar – A Web interface that allows you to evaluate your site for accessibility.
- aXe – accessibility testing tool by Deque
- PDF Accessibility Checker – Downloadable PDF accessibility checker
Accessibility in the Classroom
An accessible classroom allows everyone to participate in learning without barriers.
- iTunes U course, focusing on iOS, that offers a collection of resources to create learning environments that are accessible to all users
- TechEase4All offers how to accessibility tutorials for Universal Access in Apple’s Mac OS X and Ease of Access in Microsoft Windows
Accessible Applications
Creating accessible files is part of an accessible classroom. Learn how to create accessible files with the following resources:
Microsoft
Adobe
Captioning
- Described and Captioned Media Program, high-quality captioning and description with free previews
- Interact-AS from Speech Gear, captions lectures and video
- DIYCaptions – caption YouTube videos
Events/Webinars
If you’d like to learn more about digital accessibility, these organizations offer training:
Assistive Technology
The Center for Disabilities Studies provide a variety of services, including assistive technology that can help you create accessible digital media.